I've just had an interesting fettle, building an acoustic damper for the front bedroom window
Before anyone gets excited, it's to stop road noise coming in, not other noise escaping
The local major A road is closing overnight for 6 weeks and diverting passed ours, so we'll have lorries rumbling through the village for the foreseeable. When it has happened in the past for the odd day or two we have accepted a bad nights sleep, but this doesnt seem like a good option for 6 weeks on the trot
We've got new windows being installed in 10 days time with acoustic glass, but I figured I would build something semi-permanent in addition that could be removed and stored for next time the road closes.
I ordered a batch of 24 12" square acoustic foam tiles last week; they came vaccuum packed so it has taken a few days for them to regain their shape and size
I also picked up 3 sheets of 12mm MDF from the local builders merchant and some slide bolts. Screws, hinges etc I had already in the garage.
Anyway, here's what I've come up with - just needs some paint now
When removed the only sign of it will be the two top slide bolt latches, the ones at the sides are hidden behind the curtains. I've made the right hand side panel come out on it's own so we can easily whip it out and open the window to get some fresh air during the day. Overnight we'll have the aircon running which was installed a few weeks back, also in preparation for a summer of closed windows
And here is a view in the gap between window and acoustic foam
I have to say it works rather well
Once bolted in, you can hear more road noise from the next room than you can through the window
Hopefully it'll be enough to take the edge off so we can get some sleep